New Delhi: Rajya Sabha chairperson M Venkaiah Naidu speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the second phase of budget session. PTI Photo

Expressing deep anguish over the Rajya Sabha not being allowed to function properly for seven working days, Rajya Sabha Chairman, Shri Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday made a fervent appeal to all sections in the House and parties outside to enable normal functioning of the House.

Addressing the members during the Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha, Shri Naidu reminded the them of the sanctity of the rules of the House and the need to adhere to the same. Referring to the notices received for discussion (regarding banking irregularities) in the House, Chairman noted that Opposition wanted a discussion, the Government was ready and the Chair allowed discussion, but the House was not functioning which makes him feel upset.

Referring to the presence of the Leader of the House and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the House, Shri Naidu asked them to ensure that House functioned normally. He urged the members not to display placards inside the House.

Earlier, during the daily meeting with floor leaders in his chamber, Shri Naidu refused the suggestion to allow those holding placards to speak in the House. He said that it would set a very bad precedent and more and more members would resort to holding placards just to get an opportunity to speak. Stating that ‘political parties’ are central to parliamentary democracy, Shri Naidu stressed that parties should not strategise for disruption of Parliament for making political points. During the interaction with floor leaders, Shri Naidu stressed on the responsibility of the political parties to enable smooth functioning of the Parliament.

The Rajya Sabha Chairman even asked floor leaders if it would be necessary to have the customary daily meetings when the House was not being allowed to function. He noted that such meetings were meant to discuss and decide the issues and agenda to be taken up in the House in the context of normal functioning and made no sense if the House was not being allowed to function.